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packing light

“Is 11 dresses too many?” Eighteen year old daughter packing for a fortnight in Thailand. I’m going for three weeks and only have two dresses! Extreme measures needed to be taken. “But they’re so pretty …” Reader, I took her in hand and culled about 70% of her proposed packing. Heaven knows how she is going to cope traveling through California in the summer with only a backpack!

When I accompanied the Boss on his lecture tour of Australia three years ago I managed to curtail my packing to this. This time we are going to Thailand for three weeks, Bangkok, Koh Samui, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. I reckon I have managed a reasonably decent pack. Here is the suitcase with just the clothes in it.

1 pair of cargo trousers that convert to bermuda shorts

1 pair of loose palazzoish trousers

1 pair 3/4 length leggings

1 jersey maxi skirt

1 jersey maxi sundress

1 short sleeved dress

4 tee shirts

1 light long sleeved top

1 long light scarf

1 pair birkenstocks

1 pair vivo barefoot shoes

1 pair flat comfy but smart sandals

Swimsuit and Turkish lightweight towel

Once again I have stuck to my blue and white theme (the same one I used in Australia but different clothes!)

I was feeling remarkably proud of myself until I then had to put in all the other bits and bobs, portable bbq and bamboo cutlery, knitting (well of course!) and then all the requests from the daughter in Thailand. Custard powder was non-negotiable. At least most of this I can leave behind with her. Which is essential as I am planning on a little silk shopping!

It is always easier to pack light for a trip to a hot climate, but I reckon, that had I wanted to go hand luggage only and didn’t have to take half of Sainbury’s with me I could have managed it with ease.